CN1120684C - Gum-massaging oral brush - Google Patents

Abstract

An oral brush is provided that includes an elongated body, a head portion extending from the body, and a plurality of bristles, formed of particular thermoplastic elastomers, extending from the body. In various embodiments, the thermoplastic elastomer has a Shore A hardness of at least 30; the thermoplastic elastomer is selected from the group consisting of polyetheramides, polyesters, styrene-ethylene-butylene-styrene block copolymers, polyurethanes, polyolefin elastomers, and mixtures thereof; and the thermoplastic elastomer has a flexural modulus of at least 5 MPa.

Description

Gum Massage Oral Brush

The present invention relates to oral brushes and bristles for oral brushes.

Most people have dental caries and/or gingivitis caused by bacteria in the mouth, so reducing the amount of plaque in the mouth has long been a goal of healthcare workers. A common way to reduce plaque in the mouth is to brush your teeth frequently and regularly.

However, the benefits of frequent brushing have in some cases come with detrimental side effects, such as irritation, chafing, or even denting of the gums. Some of these side effects may be due to the too hard and/or sharp bristles of the toothbrush.

Another popular way to improve your oral health is to massage your gums to stimulate the gum tissue. The massaging effect of conventional toothbrushes on the gums is limited, so an additional gum massaging process using massaging tools is often required to ensure oral health.

Efforts have been made to replace some or all of the toothbrush bristles with rubber or synthetic rubber needles to reduce gum irritation and/or provide a gum massaging effect, see eg US 4,288,883.

The present invention features an improved gum massaging oral brush that provides good comfort and stimulation while also providing good cleaning of the teeth. Another feature of the invention is the bristles for a gum massaging oral brush.

In one aspect, the invention features an elongated brush body, a brush head extending from the body, and a brush portion including a plurality of bristles formed of thermoplastic elastomer extending from the body. The thermoplastic elastomer preferably has a Shore A hardness of at least 30 and is selected from polyetheramides, polyesters, styrene/ethylene/butylene/styrene block copolymers, styrene/butadiene/benzene Elastomers of ethylene block copolymers, styrene/isoprene/styrene block copolymers, polyurethanes, polyolefins, and mixtures thereof, having a flexural modulus of at least 5 MPa.

Preferred oral brushes also include a plurality of bristles formed from a non-resilient material. In a preferred embodiment, the material is selected from nylon, polyamide, polyester and polybutylene terephthalate (PBT). The inelastic bristles may include additives to enhance their cleaning ability, for example abrasives and polishes such as clay, silica, alumina, calcium carbonate, calcium or magnesium phosphate compounds, apatite and mixtures thereof.

Preferred oral brushes also include spacers attached to the base of the brush head. The spacers are formed from a thermoplastic elastomer and are integrally bonded to the bristles. The non-resilient bristles preferably extend from the brush head through the spacer.

In another aspect, the invention features an oral brush that includes a plurality of bristles formed from thermoplastic elastomer and a plurality of bristles formed from polyphthalamide.

In another aspect, the present invention is characterized by massaging the gums with the aforementioned bristles.

An oral brush for use in the present invention is any brush comprising a brush body with a brush portion designed to be placed in the mouth. The brush portion includes a plurality of bristles extending therefrom and is sized to scrub the surface of the teeth.

In another aspect, the invention features an oral brush comprising multicomponent bristles, preferably comprising a thermoplastic elastomer sheath surrounding a bristle comprising a non-elastic material or comprising a sheath having a higher hardness than the thermoplastic elastomer sheath. Core material for thermoplastic elastomers. The invention also features methods of making multicomponent bristles, such as coextrusion with multiple polymers. "Multicomponent" means bristles having two or more components; "coextruded" means at least two components in essentially separate phases with a distinct interface therebetween rather than in admixed form Existence, the method for forming bristle is preferably with the method that is called " coextrusion molding " in this technical field, but " multi-component coextrusion molding " term used herein includes the bristle that has above-mentioned construction with other method manufacturing .

The term "thermoplastic elastomer" refers to non-vulcanized rubber-like polymeric materials that can be processed by conventional plastics processing methods well known in the art, such as extrusion and injection molding.

In another aspect, the invention features an oral brush comprising a plurality of bristles formed from a mixture of (a) and (b): (a) a non-elastic polymer, such as a relatively hard base resin (e.g., nylon, polypropylene; , polybutylene terephthalate (PBT)); (b) thermoplastic elastomers, such as polyamide thermoplastic elastomers, polyester thermoplastic elastomers or other polyolefin thermoplastic elastomers. In some embodiments, the mixture also contains additives such as compatibilizers, abrasives and plasticizers.

Yet another aspect of the invention is characterized by comprising (a) a non-elastomeric polymer and (b) a soft (e.g., Shore A hardness less than 90) vulcanized rubber-type polymer (such as natural rubber, cross-linked polybutadiene, cross-linked A mixture of polyacrylate, etc.) to form an oral brush with many bristles. In some embodiments, the mixture also contains additives such as compatibilizers, abrasives and plasticizers.

Other features and advantages of the invention will be apparent from the description of its preferred embodiment.

Figure 1 is a perspective view of an oral brush.

Fig. 2 is a schematic top view of an oral brush head according to a specific embodiment of the present invention.

Fig. 3 is a schematic top view of an oral brush head according to another specific embodiment of the present invention.

Figure 4 is a cross-sectional top view of a coextruded bristle according to an embodiment of the present invention.

Figure 5 is a schematic illustration showing a method of forming a coextruded filament according to an embodiment of the present invention.

Figures 6 and 7 are perspective views of an oral brush with bristles molded onto the spacer.

Referring to FIG. 1 , a toothbrush 10 includes a plastic body with a handle 12 and a head 14 with a bristle portion 16 attached thereto.

The body of the toothbrush is formed by conventional methods well known in the art, and the handle is made into a shape that can be grasped by hand, but it can also be made into a shape that can be contained on an electric toothbrush. The configuration of the brush head can vary, and can be rectangular, oval, diamond-shaped or any other shape, and have bristles that are smoothed, serrated, V-shaped, convexly curved or any other desired shape, such as well known in the art. The shape and size of the handle 12 and the brush head 14 can be changed, and the handle axis and the brush head axis can be on the same plane or on different planes. Larger than conventional brush heads are available when required to provide extra room for TPE bristles while still having the standard number of non-elastic bristles.

Brush portion 16 includes a plurality of non-elastic bristles 18 and a plurality of elastic bristles 20 . Preferably, the non-elastic bristles protrude from the center of the brush head 14, and the elastic bristles are disposed around the outer periphery of the brush head 14, as shown in FIG. Figure 3 is another possible arrangement.

Non-resilient bristles are formed from tufts and are attached to the brush head by methods known in the art; resilient bristles are formed from tufts of one or more thermoplastic elastomers. If using one filament per tuft, the diameter of the filament is preferably half that of a standard pre-drilled tuft hole, eg 0.8382 mm (33 mil) monofilament for a 66 mil pre-drilled hole, so that the monofilament can be pleated Insert it into the hole in a U shape.

Alternatively, a mixture of elastic and non-elastomeric polymers may be used to form some or all of the bristles. The elastic material is selected from thermoplastic elastomers and vulcanized rubber-type polymers. In both cases, the ratio of elastic material to non-elastic material is preferably 10:90-90:10. Preferred bristle diameters are in the range of 0.0762-2.54 mm (3-100 mils) (tapered or untapered), depending on the mixture used and the elastomeric and non-elastomeric materials selected, as known in the art known to those skilled in the art.

Suitable monofilaments formed from blends of elastic and non-elastomeric materials include, but are not limited to, those of the following: composition Processing temperature draft ratio diameter Bending recovery rate 30% Pebax 253370% Zytel 151L 250°C 4:1 0.2032 mm (8 mils) 95% 30% Pebax 253370% Zytel 151L 250°C 4:1 0.1778 mm (7 mil) 95%

Such blends can be compounded using standard processing steps such as single or twin screw extruders or by dry blending.

A suitable thermoplastic elastomer is one that is stiff and hard enough for effective gum massaging and resistant to tearing and/or excessive wear in use, yet soft enough to provide comfort and avoid irritation of the gums during gum massaging. Suitable thermoplastic elastomers include polyetheramides such as PEBAX polymers (ELF Atochem), polyesters such as HYTREL (DuPont), styrene/ethylene/butylene/styrene block copolymers, styrene/ethylene/ Propylene/styrene block copolymers, styrene/butadiene/styrene block copolymers and styrene/isoprene/styrene block copolymers (e.g. KRATON rubber (Shell), polyurethanes (e.g. PELLETHANE polyurethane (Dow)), polyolefin elastomers (such as SAN-TOPRENE elastomers (Advanced Elastomer Systems)) and their mixtures. Polyetheramide block copolymers with the following general formula (where PA = polyamide segment, PE = polyether segment, commercially available under the tradename PEBAX polymer) is particularly preferred. Among these copolymers, the general formula Copolymers of nylon 12 and polytetramethylene glycol (commercially available under the trade name PEBAX MX-1205 polymer) are again particularly preferred. Another preferred thermoplastic elastomer comprises a blend of polyamide sold under the tradename PEABX 2533 and a block copolymer sold under the tradename KRATON G-6713, preferably containing about 90% polyamide and about 10% block copolymer things. This blend provides good softness without stickiness or pliability.

If a relatively soft thermoplastic elastomer is used, a relatively large wire diameter is required to provide adequate durability and stiffness. Such large diameter wires preferably have a diameter of less than about 5.08 mm (200 mils), more preferably 0.762-2.54 mm (30-100 mils). If a harder, stiffer thermoplastic elastomer is used, smaller diameter filaments can be used. In general, suitable thermoplastic elastomers have a Shore A hardness of at least 30, preferably 35-50, and a flexural modulus of about 5-100 MPa.

Suitable vulcanizate-type polymers include, but are not limited to, natural rubber, cross-linked polybutadiene, cross-linked polyacrylate, and blends thereof.

The inelastic bristles 18 can be formed from any material suitable for use in toothbrush bristles. This material can also be used as the inelastic component in elastic and inelastic blend bristles. Preferred materials include nylon 612 and other polyamides. A preferred grade of nylon is supplied by Whiting Corporation (Barrington, VT) under the trade name WYTEX. Preferred polyamides include polyphthalamides sold by Amoco Performance Products, Inc. under the tradename AMODEL resins. Such polyphthalamides are described in US Pat. Crystalline polyphthalamide formed by the polymerization of diamines. Other suitable filaments include acetals, polyesters, fluoropolymers, polyacrylates, polysulfones, and combinations thereof. Preferred non-elastic filaments have a diameter of about 0.0762-0.254 mm (3-10 mils).

In an alternative embodiment, the resilient bristles comprise a thermoplastic elastomer sheath 30 coextruded around and coextruded with a core 32 of a different material, as shown in cross-section in FIG. 4 . The sheath/core volume ratio may range from 95:5 to 5:95.

The preferred core material is a stiff polymer, the outer sheath may be softer and/or the bristles may be smaller in diameter than would otherwise be possible (thermoplastic elastomer only) due to bristle durability and strength limitations. Coextruded filaments can have standard diameters, eg, 0.127-0.2032 mm (5-8 mils), if desired. The preferred filament diameter is 0.127-1.651 mm (5-65 mils), depending on the bristle application. Suitable core materials include, but are not limited to, polyamides (eg nylon) and polyesters (eg PBT).

Preferred sheath materials include the thermoplastic elastomers discussed above. Softer grades of these elastomers can be used when a stiff core is available, eg sheath compounds down to Shore A3 durometers.

A suitable method of forming coextruded filaments is shown in FIG. 5 . As shown in the figure, the two components were extruded into filaments through first and second extruders, after which the filaments were passed through a water bath and passed through a series of drawing godets. The wire is under low tension as it travels between two sets of drawing draft godets rotating at different speeds. The tension applied to the filaments is expressed as the "draw ratio", which is the speed difference between the two sets of draft godets. A preferred draw down ratio is about 0.1-7.0. The yarn is then passed through a slack godet and collected on a winder. Suitable coextruded filaments include but are not limited to the following compositions: Composition (sheath/core) Volume ratio draft ratio diameter PEBAX MX1205/Nylon 612 10:90 4:1 0.2032 mm (8 mils) PEBAX MX 1205/Nylon 612 50:50 1:1 or 2:1 1.397 mm (55 mils) Blend of 90% PEBAX 2533 and 10% DYNAFLEX G6712/Nylon 612 10:90 or 50:50 4:11:1 or 2:1 0.2032 mm (8 mils) 1.397 mm (55 mils) HYTREL 3078/Nylon 612 10:90 or 50:50 4:11:1 or 2:1 0.2032 mm (8 mils) 1.397 mm (55 mils)

In an alternative embodiment, the head portion 14 includes bristles 20 integrally bonded to a spacer 40 attached to the base of the head portion 14, as shown in FIG. 6 . Spacer 40 provides good adhesion of bristles 20 to head portion 14 and provides support for bristles 18 . This additional support provided by the spacer 40 strengthens the bristles 18 by reducing the effective length of the bristles, which enables the assembly of a toothbrush with smaller diameter bristles that penetrate more easily into the crevice region of the mouth. Bristles 18 extend from head portion 14 through spacer 40 . Spacer 40 is formed from the resilient material listed above, and may also be formed from the same resilient material from which resilient bristles 20 are formed. Spacer 40 and resilient bristles 20 on the periphery of head portion 14 may be molded as one piece. If molded in one piece, it preferably has a diameter of about 0.1016 mm (4 mils) to about 5.08 mm (200 mils). The resilient bristles 20 can extend at an angle to the spacer 40 .

Alternatively, the spacer 40 may be recessed into the brush head 14 such that the bristle-receiving surface 46 of the spacer 40 is substantially flush with the surface 44 of the brush head 14, as shown in FIG.

Other specific embodiments can be devised within the scope of the inventive concept. For example, thermoplastic elastomeric material may be used to form all of the bristles, if desired. The bristles can be formed from a thermoplastic elastomer blend. Furthermore, the oral brush may include elastic bristles of different relative compositions, for example some bristles formed from a first thermoplastic elastomer or blend of elastomers and other bristles formed from a different thermoplastic elastomer or blend. In addition, the resilient bristles may comprise other polymers, for example plasticizers such as oils, waxes or resins to increase their softness, or additives such as fillers, antioxidants, UV stabilizers and abrasive or polishing agents . Suitable polishing agents include plastic particles, walnut shell particles, hardwood particles, corn cob particles, rubber particles, calcium carbonate, aragonite clay, orthorhombic clay, calcite clay, rhombohedral clay, kaolin clay, bentonite clay, dicalcium phosphate, Dicalcium phosphate anhydrous, dicalcium phosphate dihydrate, tricalcium phosphate, calcium pyrophosphate, insoluble sodium metaphosphate, precipitated calcium carbonate, magnesium orthophosphate, trimagnesium phosphate, hydroxyapatite, synthetic apatite, alumina, Hydrated alumina, hydrated silica xerogel, metal aluminosilicate complexes, sodium aluminum silicate, zirconium silicate, silicon dioxide, and combinations thereof.

Claims (9)

1. mouthbrush that is suitable for massaging gums, this mouthbrush comprises:

An elongated brush body;

A brushhead portion that extends from said brush body, its size is suitable for inserting in the human mouth;

A brush part that comprises the many bristles that stretch out from said brushhead portion, these many bristles comprise:

(a) from said brushhead portion stretch out and have Xiao A hardness be 30 or bigger and flexural modulus be at least many first bristles of 5MPa, said first bristle comprises thermoplastic elastomer (TPE), this elastomer be selected from styrene/ethylene/butylene/styrene block copolymer, styrene/butadiene/styrene block copolymers, styrene/isoprene/styrene block copolymer, polyolefin elastomer and they two or more mixture and

(b) many second bristles that form by non-elastic material that stretch out from said brushhead portion.

2. the mouthbrush of claim 1, wherein thermoplastic elastomer (TPE) is selected from two or more mixture of styrene/ethylene/butylene/styrene block copolymer, styrene/butadiene/styrene block copolymers, styrene/isoprene/styrene block copolymer and they.

3. the mouthbrush of claim 2, wherein said many first bristles comprise that Shore hardness is the thermoplastic elastomer (TPE) of 35-55, this elastomer comprises styrene/ethylene/butylene/styrene block copolymer.

4. each mouthbrush of claim 1-3, wherein said thermoplastic elastomer (TPE) is enough soft to avoid causing gum irritation when the massage gums.

5. each mouthbrush of claim 1-3, wherein said non-elastic material is selected from polyamide.

6. each mouthbrush of claim 1-3, wherein the flexural modulus of said thermoplastic elastomer (TPE) is 5-100MPa.

7. each mouthbrush of claim 1-3, wherein said non-elastic material comprises the abrasion additive.

8. each mouthbrush of claim 1-3, the diameter of wherein said first bristle is the 0.762-2.54 millimeter.

9. the mouthbrush of claim 5, wherein said non-elastic material is selected from nylon.

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